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Artist Statement

Connected Exhibition
Emma Bugg

Bike Bracelet, Biofeedback Device

This work engages traditional silversmith techniques to create jewellery that embodies emergent technology. As devices get smaller and more powerful, the interface between body and machine becomes reality.

The jewellery is a biofeedback device. Linked to a beaded ghetto bike is a bracelet that conceals a pulse rate sensor. As a guest rides the stationary bike, electrical signals generated by their pulse rate are assigned values. As values increase, the participant is rewarded with a change in colour saturation in the simulated video landscape, gamifying the user experience. An invisible internal process is externalized to create a fun and engaging artwork.

Unlike current wearable tech fitness devices, this piece is connected to the tradition of jewellery making with the intention of enchanting wearable technology.

Our connections with each other and the world around us change as technology progresses. Utilising the latest devices, this piece becomes an artefact of current technology in 2015.
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Acknowledgements go to James Riggall, John Kendall, Andrew Jones and Mike Cruse (Innovation Circle, Launceston) who have assisted with the tech development for this project. Also thanks to Rexy for the footage, and to Julian Bugg for engineering the bike roller.